Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Cultures and Australian Society)

This degree will provide you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the economic, social, political and cultural aspects of life in Aboriginal communities.

Key areas of study include:

Aboriginal cultures and Australian society Aboriginal Australians and Aboriginal writing archaeology and its role in Aboriginal heritage issues Aboriginal history and colonialism If you finish your degree with a credit or higher grade point average (GPA) you could be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.

You may also choose to continue your studies with a Master of Teaching and teach Humanities and Social Sciences in Australia and overseas.

If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

If you would like to apply directly into the Bachelor of Arts (History and Cultural Studies)/Master of Teaching (Secondary) package option, please apply via SATAC using 444571.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND

• Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
• Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR Higher education study

• Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
• Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR Work and life experience

• Qualify for Special Entry, or
• Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
• Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

You will study a mix of core courses, electives and chosen majors, enabling you to fine-tune your studies to your areas of interest. You will also be given the opportunity to study two professional majors, ensuring you graduate with advanced skills and knowledge that will set you apart from your competitors in the workplace.

The majors include:

• Aboriginal Cultures: study Aboriginal cultures and societies, and their relationships with Australian and international contexts across a range of social, economic and political settings.
• Australian Society: study current organisational and social theories in the analysis of Aboriginal issues as they intersect and operate within the context of contemporary Australian social and political systems. This major also develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the complexities of Australian society and culture prior to and following European settlement.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

Many of our teachers and lecturers are Aboriginal professionals who offer a wealth of valuable experience and knowledge. During your third year you will be given the opportunity to broaden your network when you complete an internship or industry project. This is a chance for you to gain valuable industry experience and make important professional connections. We also host regular University-wide employee master classes, employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

This degree is offered online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

Your career

Graduates from this specialisation find work as project officers, community service personnel and executive officers across a range of industries and business areas. Graduates may be employed by:

• public service
• human and community service organisations
• private sector organisations

You could also pursue a teaching role in humanities and social sciences when you continue your studies with a Master of Teaching (Secondary).

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code*, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

*There are two SATAC codes – one for this degree, and one for this degree packaged with the Master of Teaching. You can apply to study this degree on its own. However if you already know you would like to combine it with a Master of Teaching, you can apply for both together.

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.